Floral Park Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Floral Park is a very walkable city and the sidewalks can quickly become crowded. For pedestrians, walking is sometimes dangerous. Thousands of pedestrians become hurt in New York every year and many pedestrian accidents happen right here in Floral Park. The injuries pedestrians sustain are often catastrophic and require extensive medical treatment. Contrary to what many people think, drivers are not always at fault for a pedestrian accident. It is critical that all pedestrians know the law, and that they call a Floral Park pedestrian accident lawyer when they are hurt.
Pedestrian Traffic Laws in Floral Park
The pedestrian traffic laws that govern walkers in Floral Park are quite strict. Under the law, drivers are expected to yield to pedestrians in most situations. Even when a pedestrian does not have the right-of-way, motorists must still do whatever they can to avoid hitting someone on foot.
Pedestrians typically have the right-of-way when they are in a crosswalk, but they must still follow all signs, traffic control signals, and markings on the pavement. If you are injured as a pedestrian and you were breaking the law at the time of the accident, it will negatively impact your claim. Although you can still claim damages, the amount you receive will be greatly reduced.
Pedestrians Do Not Always Have the Right-of-Way
It is a popular misconception that pedestrians always have the right-of-way, but that is not true. The offense of jaywalking is defined as crossing a street illegally, unsafely, or carelessly. The law also specifically states that no pedestrian can suddenly leave a curb or other safe place and walk or run in front of a vehicle in such a manner that the driver does not have an opportunity to yield.
If you did jump out in front of a vehicle in a manner considered unsafe, it will have a serious impact on the amount of damages you receive. New York is a pure comparative fault state. This means that if you act carelessly and become injured as a result, the other side will argue that you caused or contributed to the accident. If they are successful with that argument, the insurance company or a judge or jury will assign you a certain percentage of blame. Any damages you are then awarded are reduced by the same amount of blame you hold for the crash.
Due to the fact that New York follows a pure model of comparative fault, you can still claim damages even if it is found that you were 99 percent at fault for the accident. Still, it is important to act safely and refute these arguments so you can recover the full amount of damages you deserve.
Our New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help with Your Case
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, your case is likely not as open and shut as you think. At Giuffre Law Offices, P.C., our Floral Park pedestrian accident lawyers know how to prove your claim and refute arguments from the other side to give you the best chance of recovering the fair settlement you deserve. Call us today at 516-802-9912 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation so we can review your case.
